Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Structural Analysis”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 775 records · Page 43

4 d element induced improvement of structural disorder and development of weakly reentrant spin-glass behavior in NiRuMnSn

The pursuit of efficient spin polarization in quaternary Heusler alloys with the general formula XX'YZ (where X, X', and Y are transition metals and Z is a p-block element) has been a subject of significant scientific interest. While previous studies showed that isoelectronic substitution of a 4d element in place of a 3d element in quaternary Heusler alloys improves the half-metallic ferromagnetic characteristics, our research here, on the quaternary Heusler alloy NiRuMnSn, reveals a strikingly different scenario. In this study, we present a detailed structural analysis of the material using x-ray absorption fine structure and neutron diffraction techniques which confirms the formation of a single-phase compound with 50:50 site disorder between Ni and Ru atoms at 4c and 4d sites. Contrary to expectations, our density functional theory calculations suggest a considerable decrease in spin polarization even in the ordered structure. Additionally, we report on the compound's exceptional behavior, displaying a rare reentrant spin-glass property below ~ 60 K, a unique and intriguing feature for quaternary Heusler-type compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Functional and structural characterization of a β-glucosidase involved in saponin metabolism from intestinal bacteria

Highlights: • Bifidobacterium longum are involved in the metabolism of saponins. • BlBG3 shows higher efficiency to saponins than known bacterial β-glucosidases. • First structure of β-glucosidase from intestinal bacteria to hydrolyze saponins. • A special binding pocket differs to other structural available GH3 β-glucosidases. • Molecular docking revealed the binding interactions of substrate with BlBG3. Saponins are natural glycosides widely used in medicine and the food industry. Although saponin metabolism in human is dependent on intestinal microbes, few involving bacteria enzymes have been identified. We cloned BlBG3, a GH3 β-glucosidase from Bifidobacterium longum, from human stool. We found that BlBG3 catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycoside furostanol and ginsenoside Rb1 at higher efficiency than other microbial β-glucosidases. Structural analysis of BlBG3 in complex with d-glucose revealed its three unique loops, which form a deep pocket and participate in substrate binding. To understand how substrate is bound to the pocket, molecular docking was performed and the binding interactions of protobioside with BlBG3 were revealed. Mutational study suggested that R484 and H642 are critical for enzymatic activity. Our study presents the first structural and functional analysis of a saponin-processing enzyme from human microbiota.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Direct processing of PbZr 0.53 Ti 0.47 O 3 films on glass and polymeric substrates

This work reports on direct crystallization of PbZr 0.53 Ti 0.47 O 3 (PZT) thin films on glass and polymeric substrates, using pulsed thermal processing (PTP). Specifically, xenon flash lamps deliver pulses of high intensity, short duration, broadband light to the surface of a chemical solution deposited thin film, resulting in the crystallization of the film. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy show the existence of perovskite structure in nano-sized grains (≤5 nm). Local functional analysis by band excitation piezoelectric spectroscopy and electrostatic force microscopy confirm the presence of a ferroelectric phase and retention of voltage-written polarization for multiple days. Based on structural and functional analyses, strategies are discussed for optimization of pulse voltage and duration for the realization of crystalline ferroelectric thin films. For ~200 nm-thick PZT films on glass substrates, 500 μs-long pulses were required for crystallization, starting with 100 pulses at 350 V, 10 or 25 pulses at 400 V and in general lower number of pulses at higher voltages (resulting in higher radiant energy). Overall power densities of >6.4 kW/cm 2 were needed for appearance of peaks corresponding to the perovskite phase in the XRD. Films on glass processed at 350–400 V had a higher degree of 111-oriented perovskite grains. Higher applied radiant energy (through increased pulse voltage or count) resulted in more random and/or partially 001-oriented films. For ~1 μm-thick PZT films on polymeric substrates, 10 to 25 250 μs-long pulses at voltages ranging between 200 to 250 V, corresponding to power densities of ~2.8 kW/cm 2 , were optimal for maximized perovskite phase crystallization, while avoiding substrate damage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optoelectronic and low temperature thermoelectric studies on nanostructured thin films of silver gallium selenide

Polycrystalline thin films of silver gallium selenide were deposited on ultrasonically cleaned soda lime glass substrates by multi-source vacuum co-evaporation technique. The structural analysis done by X-ray diffraction ascertained the formation of nano structured tetragonal chalcopyrite thin films. The compound formation was confirmed by X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopic technique has been used for surface morphological analysis. Direct allowed band gap ∼1.78eV with high absorption coefficient ∼10{sup 6}/m was estimated from absorbance spectra. Low temperature thermoelectric effects has been investigated in the temperature range 80–330K which manifested an unusual increase in Seebeck coefficient with negligible phonon drag toward the very low and room temperature regime. The electrical resistivity of these n-type films was assessed to be ∼2.6Ωm and the films showed good photo response.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structural insights into the thermal decomposition sequence of barium tetrahydrogenorthotellurate(VI), Ba[H{sub 4}TeO{sub 6}]

The compounds Ba[H{sub 4}TeO{sub 6}] (I), Ba[H{sub 2}TeO{sub 5}] (II), Ba[Te{sub 2}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 2}] (III) and Ba[TeO{sub 4}] (IV) were prepared by application of a diffusion method (I), under hydrothermal conditions (II and III) and from solid state reactions (IV), respectively. Structure analysis on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffraction data revealed novel structure types for (I), (II) and (III) and isotypism of (IV) with PrSbO{sub 4} and LaSbO{sub 4}. Common feature of the four oxotellurate(VI) structures are [TeO{sub 6}] octahedra. Whereas in the crystal structure of (I) the octahedral units are isolated, they are condensed into chains via corner-sharing in (II) and via edge-sharing in (III) and (IV). The coordination numbers of the barium cations in the four structures range from seven to ten. Although hydrogen atom positions could not be located for the structures of (I) and (II), short interpolyhedral O···O contacts are evident for strong hydrogen bonding. The temperature behaviour of (I), (II) and (IV) was monitored by simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) measurements and in situ powder X-ray diffraction, revealing the decomposition sequence Ba[H{sub 4}TeO{sub 6}] → Ba[H{sub 2}TeO{sub 5}] → Ba[TeO{sub 4}]→ Ba[TeO{sub 3}] upon heating to temperatures up to 900 °C. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structures of the four oxotellurates(VI) were determined from single crystal data. The thermal decomposition of Ba[H{sub 4}TeO{sub 6}], monitored by temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction and simultaneous thermal analysis measurements, involves two condensation reactions according to Ba[H{sub 4}TeO{sub 6}]→Ba[H{sub 2}TeO{sub 5}]+H{sub 2}O(↑)→Ba[TeO{sub 4}]+ H{sub 2}O(↑). Display Omitted.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A novel polythreading Ag(I) coordination polymer with blue photoluminescence

One new compound, [Ag(p-bix)]{sub 3}[Ag(Hbtc){sub 2}]·2H{sub 2}O (H{sub 3}btc=1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, p-bix=1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-benzene), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, PXRD, luminescent analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structural analysis revealed that 0-D unit [Ag(Hbtc){sub 2}]{sup 3−} and two kinds of 1-D linear chain [Ag(p-bix)]{sub ∞}{sup +}, can be found within the crystal structure. The combination of 0-D [Ag(Hbtc){sub 2}]{sup 3−} unit and 1-D undulated chain [Ag1(p{sub 1}-bix)]{sub ∞}{sup +} through weak Ag–O bond gave rise to 2-D anionic supramolecular doublelayer. Then the grids of the 2-D layer are threaded by 1-D linear cationic chain [Ag2(p{sub 2}-bix)]{sub ∞}{sup +} to generate entangled 3-D architecture with unusual poly(pseudo-rotaxane)-type arrangements. Luminescent properties of the title complex were also studied in this paper. - Graphical abstract: Novel 3D polythreading supramolecular architecture was constructed, in which 1D linear cationic chains [Ag(p{sub 2}-bix)]{sub ∞}{sup +} threaded into the grid of weak Ag–O bonded anionic 2D sheet. Highlights: ► Novel 1D{sup +}+2D{sup −}→3D polythreading coordination complex was reported. ► Diverse conformations of p-bix result in different 1D [Ag(p-bix)]{sub ∞}{sup +} chains. ► The title complex displayed blue photoluminescence at room temperature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Mechanistic Transformation of CuI Nanoparticles Into Oxidation‐Resistant 2D Copper Nanoplates

Unconventional phase transformations reveal new crystallization mechanisms, yet direct observation of such pathways during nanoscale solution-phase synthesis remains challenging. This study uncovers an atypical growth process in which thermodynamically stable CuI nanoparticles (NPs) transform into high-energy 2D Cu plates. Using a combination of in situ transmission electron microscopy, ex situ structural analysis, and density functional theory calculations shows that the formation of structural defects induced by hexadecylamine and chloride ions facilitates the transformation by promoting surface iodine vacancies. The resulting Cu{111} nanoplates, with ultrathin thicknesses (≈4 nm) and exceptionally high aspect ratios (≈450), display enhanced oxidation resistance and long-term stability under ambient conditions. This resistance is attributed to the close-packed {111} facets, which suppress chemical oxidation even after extended exposure to air over 100 days. These findings provide new insights into non-classical crystallization pathways in metal nanomaterials and suggest a versatile approach for preparing oxidation-resistant, structurally defined Cu nanostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Alkaline Stability of Quaternized Diels–Alder Polyphenylenes

Alkaline stability of anion exchange membranes is an essential requirement for the practical application of alkaline membrane fuel cells. In this study, we investigate the alkaline stability of Diels-Alder polyphenylenes (DAPPs) under various stability testing conditions. Structural analysis and membrane properties of the DAPPs indicated that different chemical structural changes of quaternized DAPPs occur depending on test conditions. Benzyltrimethylammonium functionalized DAPPs degraded rapidly via nucleophilic benzyl substitution under a relatively mild condition ca. 80 °C, 4 M NaOH whereas DAPPs with hexyltrimethylammonium (HTMA DAPP) exhibited much better alkaline stability. While only crosslinking of unreacted alkyl bromides of HTMA DAPP occurred at 80 °C, we observed the degradation of the cations via β- elimination after long term testing. At higher temperature or reduced relative humidity (RH) conditions, e.g., 160 °C or RH 10%, the rapid degradation of the cation in HTMA DAPP occurred via nucleophilic methyl substitution. These results suggest that accelerated stress tests may not be a quick and straightforward alternative to prolonged alkaline stability tests of AEMs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural chemistry of penta- and hexanitrato thorium($\tiny{IV}$) complexes isolated using N–H donors

In this study, a series of fifteen tetravalent thorium phases were prepared. The compounds were isolated from acidic aqueous nitrate solutions using protonated nitrogen heterocycles of varying hydrogen-bond donation strength. Structural analysis via single crystal X-ray diffraction showed that the structures are built from pentanitrato, [Th(NO 3 ) 5 (H 2 O) 2 ] 1- , and hexanitrato, [Th(NO 3 ) 6 ] 2- , molecular units, with the latter being far more prevalent in the solid state. The vibrational properties of the compounds were examined using Raman and IR spectroscopy; the spectra are dominated by stretches characteristic of nitrate and the organic ions. The relative energetics of nitrate complexation was examined using electronic structure theory. These results confirmed that there are clear thermodynamic sinks for the penta- and hexanitrato structural units that were observed experimentally. Additionally, electrostatic surface potentials (ESPs) were calculated in an effort to better understand the counterion stabilization of the complexes. The ESP surfaces showed that the position of the water and nitrate molecules and the coordination geometry of the metal complex had a clear effect on the polarizability of the two structural motifs. Despite limited speciation of the Th–nitrate structural units, the compounds exhibit rich supramolecular chemistry resulting from hydrogen bonding of the Th complexes with the organic N–H donors and π–π stacking interactions from the protonated N-heterocycles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Relaxation behavior of oxygen deficient strontium manganite

Conduction behavior of nanocrystalline oxygen deficient ceramic-SrMnO{sub 3–δ}(δ∼0.14) has been studied. The structural analysis of nano-SrMnO{sub 2.86} follows hexagonal unit cell structure with P6{sub 3}/mmc (194) space group belonging to 6/mmm point group with 4H – layered type hexagonal-cubic layers. The system have lattice parameters; a = 5.437(92) Å, c = 9.072(92) Å, c/a∼1.66 (85) with α =90° γ= 120° and cell volume, V= 232.35(18). The relaxation times estimated from complex impedance and modulus relaxation spectrum, show the thermally activated system with corresponding activation energies as 0.66 eV and 0.51 eV The stretching factor ‘β’ from the scaled modulus spectrum shows the poly-dispersive non-Debye nature of the system. The hopping number ‘n’ shows the influence of ionic charge carriers which controls the conduction mechanism of nano-SrMnO{sub 2.86}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structure of Ti-6Al-4V nanostructured titanium alloy joint obtained by resistance spot welding

The structure of weld joints of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V in the initial ultrafine-grained state, obtained by resistance spot welding, is studied using the optical and scanning electron microscopy method and the X-ray structure analysis. The carried out studies show the relationship of the metal structure in the weld zone with main joint zones. The structure in the core zone and the heat affected zone is represented by finely dispersed grains of needle-shaped martensite, differently oriented in these zones. The change in the microhardness in the longitudinal section of the weld joint clearly correlates with structural changes during welding.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Genomic dissection of anthracnose resistance response in sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important grain crop behind maize, wheat, rice, and barley. Today, it is of interest as a source of fermentable sugars for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, and as a source of biomass for co-firing. The productivity and profitability of sorghum are limited by several biotic constraints, most notably anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum . The most cost-effective and environmentally benign strategy to control anthracnose is through the incorporation of resistance genes. Over the last three years, our research efforts have been directed to identify new sources of resistance in temperate adapted and tropical germplasm, and to delimited genomic regions associated with the observe anthracnose resistant response. Three biparental mapping populations derived from the resistant lines SC112-14, QL3 and IS18760 were evaluated for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. In parallel, three high density recombination maps were constructed and used to identify resistant loci. Anthracnose resistant response in line SC112-14 is controlled by a major locus on chromosome 5. Segregation analysis of 1,500 progenies delimited the resistance locus on chromosome 5 to a 23-kb region harboring three candidate genes, including Sobic.005G17230 identified by GWAS of the sorghum association panel (SAP). The latter gene belongs to a family of genes encoding F-box proteins indicating that this resistance response involved in signaling cascades and transcriptional reprograming, rather than recognition of pathotype-associated molecular patterns. In contrast, anthracnose resistant response in lines QL3 and IS18760 is controlled by multiple small-effect genes. Greenhouse evaluation of a representative subset of the three mapping populations against nine pathotypes found that lines susceptible in the field could be resistant to a single pathotype in the greenhouse. Thus, the activation of a resistance response system by a single pathotype could not provide a broader resistance response against multiple pathotypes. The screening of 1,801 sweet sorghum accessions from the National Plant Germplasm System identified 654 accessions with Brix value larger than 10, which in turn was used to select a subset of 233 accessions for evaluation of anthracnose resistant response. Even though most of the accessions were not completely infected by anthracnose, 28 accessions were completely resistant against pathotypes from Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis of this subset identified 157,843 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Population structure analysis of the subset based on a subset of 2,345 unlinked SNPs found that the genetic diversity could be divided into four populations. The genetic relatedness among accessions within populations suggests most of the resistant germplasm may contain few different resistance sources. These resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm could expedite the development of new resistant sweet sorghum cultivars and hybrids by avoiding time-consuming introgression breeding approaches with non-sweet sorghums serving as donor of the resistance alleles.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Genomic dissection of anthracnose resistance response in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important grain crop behind maize, wheat, rice, and barley. Today, it is of interest as a source of fermentable sugars for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, and as a source of biomass for co-firing. The productivity and profitability of sorghum are limited by several biotic constraints, most notably anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum. The most cost-effective and environmentally benign strategy to control anthracnose is through the incorporation of resistance genes. Over the last three years, our research efforts have been directed to identify new sources of resistance in temperate adapted and tropical germplasm, and to delimited genomic regions associated with the observe anthracnose resistant response. Three biparental mapping populations derived from the resistant lines SC112-14, QL3 and IS18760 were evaluated for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. In parallel, three high density recombination maps were constructed and used to identify resistant loci. Anthracnose resistant response in line SC112-14 is controlled by a major locus on chromosome 5. Segregation analysis of 1,500 progenies delimited the resistance locus on chromosome 5 to a 23-kb region harboring three candidate genes, including Sobic.005G17230 identified by GWAS of the sorghum association panel (SAP). The latter gene belongs to a family of genes encoding F-box proteins indicating that this resistance response involved in signaling cascades and transcriptional reprograming, rather than recognition of pathotype-associated molecular patterns. In contrast, anthracnose resistant response in lines QL3 and IS18760 is controlled by multiple small-effect genes. Greenhouse evaluation of a representative subset of the three mapping populations against nine pathotypes found that lines susceptible in the field could be resistant to a single pathotype in the greenhouse. Thus, the activation of a resistance response system by a single pathotype could not provide a broader resistance response against multiple pathotypes. The screening of 1,801 sweet sorghum accessions from the National Plant Germplasm System identified 654 accessions with Brix value larger than 10, which in turn was used to select a subset of 233 accessions for evaluation of anthracnose resistant response. Even though most of the accessions were not completely infected by anthracnose, 28 accessions were completely resistant against pathotypes from Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis of this subset identified 157,843 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Population structure analysis of the subset based on a subset of 2,345 unlinked SNPs found that the genetic diversity could be divided into four populations. The genetic relatedness among accessions within populations suggests most of the resistant germplasm may contain few different resistance sources. These resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm could expedite the development of new resistant sweet sorghum cultivars and hybrids by avoiding time-consuming introgression breeding approaches with non-sweet sorghums serving as donor of the resistance alleles.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Genomic dissection of anthracnose resistance response in sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important grain crop behind maize, wheat, rice, and barley. Today, it is of interest as a source of fermentable sugars for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, and as a source of biomass for co-firing. The productivity and profitability of sorghum are limited by several biotic constraints, most notably anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum. The most cost-effective and environmentally benign strategy to control anthracnose is through the incorporation of resistance genes. Over the last three years, our research efforts have been directed to identify new sources of resistance in temperate adapted and tropical germplasm, and to delimited genomic regions associated with the observe anthracnose resistant response. Three biparental mapping populations derived from the resistant lines SC112-14, QL3 and IS18760 were evaluated for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. In parallel, three high density recombination maps were constructed and used to identify resistant loci. Anthracnose resistant response in line SC112-14 is controlled by a major locus on chromosome 5. Segregation analysis of 1,500 progenies delimited the resistance locus on chromosome 5 to a 23-kb region harboring three candidate genes, including Sobic.005G17230 identified by GWAS of the sorghum association panel (SAP). The latter gene belongs to a family of genes encoding F-box proteins indicating that this resistance response involved in signaling cascades and transcriptional reprograming, rather than recognition of pathotype-associated molecular patterns. In contrast, anthracnose resistant response in lines QL3 and IS18760 is controlled by multiple small-effect genes. Greenhouse evaluation of a representative subset of the three mapping populations against nine pathotypes found that lines susceptible in the field could be resistant to a single pathotype in the greenhouse. Thus, the activation of a resistance response system by a single pathotype could not provide a broader resistance response against multiple pathotypes. The screening of 1,801 sweet sorghum accessions from the National Plant Germplasm System identified 654 accessions with Brix value larger than 10, which in turn was used to select a subset of 233 accessions for evaluation of anthracnose resistant response. Even though most of the accessions were not completely infected by anthracnose, 28 accessions were completely resistant against pathotypes from Texas, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis of this subset identified 157,843 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Population structure analysis of the subset based on a subset of 2,345 unlinked SNPs found that the genetic diversity could be divided into four populations. The genetic relatedness among accessions within populations suggests most of the resistant germplasm may contain few different resistance sources. These resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm could expedite the development of new resistant sweet sorghum cultivars and hybrids by avoiding time-consuming introgression breeding approaches with non-sweet sorghums serving as donor of the resistance alleles.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Neutron diffraction, Mössbauer effect and electron paramagnetic resonance studies on multiferroic Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3}

Multiferroic Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3} ceramics were synthesized via a modified two-stage Columbite method. Single phase formation was confirmed from the analysis of x-ray and neutron diffraction patterns recorded at room temperature. Structural analysis of the diffraction data reveals cubic phase (space group Pm-3m) for the title compound. Magnetic structure of the title compound at room temperature exhibits G-type antiferromagnetic structure. The Mössbauer spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) studies were carried out at 300 K. The isomer shift and quadrupole splitting of the Mössbauer spectra confirms the trivalent state of iron (Fe{sup 3+}). The Mössbauer spectra also suggest that the iron and tungsten are randomly distributed at the octahedral, B site. EPR spectra show a single broad line associated with Fe{sup 3+} ions. Both spectra clearly exhibit weak ferromagnetic behaviour of Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3} ceramic at 300 K. Considering neutron diffraction, Mössbauer and EPR results together, it may be stated here that Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3} exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior along with weak ferromagnetism at room temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗